Patient's question:
Daughter discovered severe canker sores yesterday and the community clinic suspects hand, foot, and mouth disease. She had a fever of 38.5°C after waking up in the afternoon. Last night, she had no fever symptoms. This morning, after receiving an intravenous drip, she slept from 4 PM to 6 PM. Upon waking up again, she had a fever of 38.5°C accompanied by a headache. Could it be encephalitis or meningitis?Doctor's answer:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by enterovirus infection. It typically presents with vesicles on the hands, feet, mouth, and buttocks, accompanied by upper respiratory infection symptoms. Delayed treatment can lead to serious complications such as encephalitis. The virus can cross the blood-brain barrier to enter the brain. It has nothing to do with whether or not you have a fever. Fever is the body's immune response. Under the guidance of a doctor, oral medication should be taken. For fever, oral Aricept can be combined with physical cooling treatment. The general course of the disease lasts about one to ten days. Strengthen nursing care to prevent complications. Drink more water to prevent complications. Avoid spicy and greasy foods. Maintain a light diet.